Sitting in the China House at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, you feel transported to Shanghai in the roaring 1920s. Red and black lacquer, chic sofas and an ambiance of sheer elegance make you want to put your feet up and stay awhile. But you're not just here for the surroundings. 
Shanghai chic at the China House — Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Man Sing Lee, the Michelin starred chef from the famed Man Wah in Hong Kong, leads an esteemed kitchen in churning out dishes like stir-fried lobster with egg white topped with scallop mousse and spotted garoupa with crispy ginger, crab meat and egg white sauce.
Peking duck at the China House — Photo courtesy of Dave StamboulisOther delicacies on the menu include the Peking duck, which is cut and served by a master chef at your table and wrapped in a pancake with plum sauce after you watch the skin delicately removed. And then there are the signature wasabi prawns, which come in a creamy sauce that puckers your entire mouth into one wide grin upon consumption.
wasabi prawns at China House — Photo courtesy of Dave StamboulisThe lunchtime dim sum buffet is worth a trip alone, with standouts, such as deep-fried dumpling of bacon, mushroom and black truffle and taro puffs with abalone, heading a long and delicious list. Prices are on the high side, but this is one spot in Bangkok that is well worth a splurge.
